SUBJECT/RECOMMENDATION:
Title
Approve, in an amount not to exceed $122,438.25, for the Downtown Commercial Grant to 45 Sports Bar and Lounge, LLC, located at 1409 Cleveland Street, Clearwater, FL 33756, and authorize the appropriate officials to execute the same.
Body
SUMMARY:
45 Sports Bar and Lounge, LLC, a locally owned business operating since 2023, is requesting Downtown Commercial Grant funding to expand and enhance their existing location. Proposed improvements include extending the bar area, repairing floors, completing kitchen renovations, upgrading lighting and duct work, interior painting, replacing storefront glass windows, and renovating restrooms. The total project cost is $222,615.00, with the applicant providing a 45% match of $100,176.75. Proof of matching funds has been submitted to CRA staff. The applicant was previously awarded a Business Renovation Grant in 2023 for $19,450.00
The proposed improvements will enhance the functionality, provide additional capacity, and improve the overall appeal of the property along Cleveland Street.
The Downtown Commercial Grant Program is designed to help Downtown Clearwater thrive as the urban core and heart of the City, serving as the center of business and government, and as an attractive place to live, work, shop, and play (Ch. 3, Vision, pg. 44). It also aligns with the City’s Strategic Objective to strengthen public-private initiatives that attract, develop, and retain diversified business sectors.
Total Project Cost: $222,615.00
• CRA Grant (not to exceed): $122,438.25
• Applicant Match: $100,176.75 (45% of total project cost, verified by staff)
The applicant agrees that all improvements funded through this Program will be maintained in accordance with City policies, codes, and any other applicable requirements identified by the City, CRA, or other regulatory agencies for a period of not less than three (3) years, unless otherwise approved in writing by the CRA Director. The applicant shall also comply with all applicable City rules and regulations, including the City of Clearwater Ethics Code. Each applicant acknowledges and understands that the Ethics Code prohibits City employees from receiving any direct or indirect benefit from any contract or obligation entered into with the City.
Applicants must obtain a Certificate of Occupancy or Certificate of Completion within three hundred sixty-five (365) calendar days from the date of the executed grant agreement, unless otherwise approved in writing by the CRA Director.
CRA staff recommends approval as the grant will support business expansion, enhance the downtown environment, and strengthen the economic vitality of Cleveland Street.
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT:
Funds for this new grant are available in R2003- Economic Development-City in an amount not to exceed $122,438.25
STRATEGIC PRIORITY:
2.1 Strengthen public-private initiatives that attract, develop, and retain diversified business sectors.
